Virginia was ranked the No. 7 Friendliest State by more than 6,000 small businesses surveyed by Thumbtack.com and the Kauffman Foundation in the recently published Thumbtack.com Small Business Survey.

Virginia was in the top ten nationwide in the following categories: lowest cost to hire a new employee, business-friendly labor and hiring regulations, strong training programs, and networking events geared towards small businesses.

The Commonwealth was also the No. 1 state in the Mid-Atlantic region in the categories of overall small business friendliness, lowest cost of hiring a new employee, and ease of starting a small business.

Small businesses and entrepreneurs are at the heart of economic growth, providing 65 percent of net new jobs nationwide between 1993 and 2009, according to the Thumbtack.com Small Business Survey.

Governor McDonnell’s recent announcement of new legislature to encourage investment in small business further illustrates Virginia’s intent to attract and assist small businesses. Senate Bill 344 and House Bill 585 created the Small Business Investment Grant Fund which offers a grant equal to 10 percent of the qualified investment.

To learn why Virginia is a great place to start a business and read more about the extensive resources available to entrepreneurs, click here.

While micro-loans are often associated with aiding entrepreneurs across the globe, the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority has established a program to help Virginia entrepreneurs right here in the Commonwealth.

The program is targeted towards existing Virginia businesses that will use the financing to either create new jobs or retain existing jobs. Companies must have been in operation for at least three years, as well as meet additional criteria in order to take advantage of the program.

These short-term loans will have a maximum maturity of one year with rates based off the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate. Funds can be used for financing working capital needs, fixed asset purchases, leasehold improvements or technology infrastructure.

Virginia is a great place to start and grow a business, offering entrepreneurs a variety of resources at all stages of expansion. Use these links to learn more about Virginia’s Micro-Loan Program and obtain an application.

To learn more about Virginia’s resources for early stage companies click here.

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About VEDP

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), a state authority created by the Virginia General Assembly to better serve those seeking a prime business location and increased trade opportunities, provides confidential site selection and international trade services. VEDP's mission: To enhance the quality of life and raise the standard of living for all Virginians, in collaboration with Virginia communities, through aggressive business recruitment, expansion assistance, and trade development, thereby expanding the tax base and creating higher-income employment opportunities.